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Classical
Mythology
(Greeks
and Romans) Mini Unit Study
There
are so many great reasons to study classical mythology
with your children. First and foremost, Roman and Greek
mythology contains stories that are quite exciting – full
of heroes and heroines – that even small children
enjoy very much. Older students can understand what
many of these tales have to say about human nature,
and will also begin to notice the literary devices
and symbolism used throughout these tales. Moreover,
after studying mythology, popular allusions will make
much more sense – an “Achilles heel”,
a “Herculean task”, and “By Jove.
In this mini unit study, you can: read all about the characters in the Greek
and Roman pantheons - including how they compare, take online quizzes to
test your knowledge, work on a New York Times crossword puzzle on
mythology together, learn about the role of mythical storytelling in Greek
pottery, make your own Greek vase, and send postcards from Greek or Roman
gods and goddesses to either Zeus or Jupiter.
Reading
An
online version of one of the “classics” on
classical mythology. Organized by volume (Greek and
Roman mythology is in Volume 1) – and good
site organization makes it easy to read online for
older students (middle school and up).
http://www.bartleby.com/181/
For the younger set, this site provides illustrations and brief descriptions
of the Greek gods and goddesses.
http://www.mythweb.com/
Confused about which mythical characters are Greek vs. Roman? This chart
shows the relations between the two to help clear up the confusion.
http://www.messagenet.com/myths/names.html
Quizzes
Think you now know everything about the mythological heroes? Quiz your knowledge
and find out. Below are two different quizzes on classical mythology – one
is easy and one much more challenging.
EasyQuiz: here
Hard
Quiz: here
Family
Fun
Test your
mythology knowledge with this New York Times crossword
puzzle on mythology. Warning – this is one tough puzzle – we
recommend that children do this one together with an adult.
Online version: here
Off-Line version to print: here
Answers to puzzle: here
Pottery
Project
Ancient Greek pottery tells stories using mythological characters. In this
web lesson, you will become familiar with a variety of Greek pottery
shapes and functions. Then see what heroes, goddesses, and related stories
you can find in these pottery examples shown.
Greek
Pottery Example
After
you have looked at examples of Greek pottery – it
is time to make your own out of styrofoam cups and
oil pastels – complete with a story with your
favorite character.
Make
your own Greek pottery
Writing
Activity
Postcards
to Zeus or Jupiter
As you study mythology, write postcards from at least 10 of your favorite
Greek or Roman mythological characters to either Zeus (Greek) or Jupiter
(Roman).
Begin with blank postcards, which you can buy at any stationary supply store.
Illustrate the front of the card with a drawing of the god or goddess that
the card is “from”, or decorate it with examples of Greek scenery
or artwork. Next, address the card to either Zeus or Jupiter. Then write
the message to him – be sure to include details that only your god
or goddess would know! When you are finished with all of your cards, use
a hole punch to punch a hole in each postcard in the center of the left-hand
edge. Use yarn to tie the cards together into a pack.
Recommended
Resource
Classic Myths To Read Aloud: The Great
Stories of Greek and Roman Mythology
I first became acquainted with this wonderful book when we were putting together
the upcoming issue on Ancient Rome. The literature study guide for ages 4-8, “Cupid
and Psyche” comes from this book.
The author, William Russell, believes that an understanding and appreciation
of the classical myths are an essential part in becoming a literate person.
Therefore, he recommends that we introduce children to these tales orally,
as they were originally told, and at a young age (~5). In this book, he tells
each story in the type of language familiar to any reader of fairy tales.
The book is divided into two sections: Listening Level 1 (Ages 5 and up)
and Listening Level II (Ages 8 and up). In addition, at the end of each tale,
he includes a section called a “few words more” that discusses
the origins of some of the words in the story. This section isn’t meant
to be read aloud, but it is fun for the adult or older student doing the
reading!
So, turn bedtime reading over to the tales of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Or start a tradition of after lunch or dinner family reading - with the older
kids or adults reading the tales to the youngest.
Book (Paperback)
Author: William F. Russell
Lists at: $12.00, Sale Price: $9.60
Read
more about the book on Amazon.com
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